Gaming device display and methods of use

ABSTRACT

In at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus may include a housing defining a display area on which at least one indicium representing at least one prize is displayed. The gaming device also may include a plurality of display characters. At least one of the display characters is configured to move and indicate at least one indicium. The gaming apparatus further includes a controller in communication with at least one of the plurality of display characters and configured to direct the movement of the display character. The controller is also configured to generate a random number and generate a game outcome based on the random number. The controller is configured to move at least one display character to indicate at least one indicium that corresponds to the game outcome.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation in part application of U.S.nonprovisional application Ser. No. 10/309,736, filed Dec. 3, 2002 andclaims priority to provisional U.S. application having serial No.60/458,762, filed Mar. 28, 2003 and provisional U.S. application havingserial No. 60/502,427 filed Sep. 12, 2003. The present application isalso a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/245,623, filed Sep. 16, 2002. That application is a continuation inpart of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/967,055, filed Sep. 28,2001, which claims priority of U.S. provisional application serial No.60/241,384, filed Oct. 17, 2000. This application is also a continuationin part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/622,805, filed Jul. 18, 2003.That application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/927,245, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,972, filed Aug. 10, 2001. Thatapplication claims priority of U.S. provisional application serial No.60/241,385, filed Oct. 17, 2000. Each of the aforementioned applicationsare hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the presentapplication in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to gaming devices and, moreparticularly, to gaming devices having at least one moveable displaycharacter that displays a prize to a player.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety ofgaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allowusers, or players, to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices,the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomlygenerated event. For example, a gaming device may use a random numbergenerator to generate a random or pseudo-random number (hereinaftercollectively referred to as “random number”). The random number may beused to determine a game outcome. For example, the random number can becompared to a pre-defined table to determine a corresponding outcome ofthe event. If the random number falls within a certain range of numberson the table, the player may win the corresponding prize. The table mayalso contain display information that allows the gaming device togenerate a display that corresponds to the outcome of the game. Thegaming device may present the outcome of the game on a large variety ofdisplay devices, such as mechanical spinning reels, spinning wheels, orvideo screens.

[0004] Some gaming devices award bonus prizes in addition to prizes thatare awarded in a primary game. A bonus prize is generally defined as aprize in addition to the prize obtained from the primary game and isawarded to the player when a pre-defined event occurs. An example of abonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 to Adams. Adamsdiscloses a primary game having three spinning game reels and a bonusgame having a bonus display with one spinning wheel. The spinning wheelis divided into multiple sections, and each section has a symbolrepresenting a prize. When pre-determined indicia are displayed on thespinning game reels of the primary game, the wheel of the bonus displayspins and stops. The bonus prize is displayed as the symbol on the wheelbeing pointed to by a pointer. The bonus prize is awarded in addition toany prizes awarded in the primary game.

[0005] Another bonus game is disclosed in Baerlocher et al. (U.S. Pat.No. 6,336,863). Baerlocher et al. discloses a slot machine with a bonusaward display. The bonus award display has a bonus wheel and amechanical, movable pointer.

[0006] One of the problems associated with the devices disclosed inthese references is that the outcome of the bonus game is communicatedto the player almost immediately. When a bonus game is triggered, abonus award is selected, displayed, and awarded to the player. Theplayer can see what the outcome of the game is immediately after thepointers have stopped moving. What has long been needed is a device thatutilizes intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus eventand the awarding of the bonus prize to add an additional element ofanticipation and excitement for the players. It is further desired thatthe intermediate steps involve an eye-catching display and playerparticipation. Another problem associated with Adams and Baerlocher etal. is that they utilize a plain combination of wheel and pointer. TheApplicants have discovered that more can be done to existing displaydevices to make them more attractive and interesting to play.

SUMMARY OF AT LEAST ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention

[0008] The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do notnecessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

[0009] provide a highly attractive and entertaining device forconducting games;

[0010] provide a highly attractive and entertaining device fordisplaying prizes;

[0011] the ability to attract more patrons to play a game;

[0012] the ability to encourage players to play longer on a gamingapparatus;

[0013] provide at least one attractive prize display;

[0014] utilize intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonusevent and the awarding of the bonus prize;

[0015] provide intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonusevent and the awarding of the bonus prize that involve playerparticipation;

[0016] provide intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonusevent and the awarding of the bonus prize that involve an eye-catchingdisplay;

[0017] provide an additional element of anticipation and excitement forplayers

[0018] provide one or more moveable display characters;

[0019] provide one or more moveable display characters whose movementmay be choreographed;

[0020] provide one or more movable display characters which may be usedto indicate one or more indicium; and

[0021] provide one or more movable display characters which may be usedto indicate one or more indicium appearing on a changeable display area.

[0022] These and other advantages may be realized by reference to theremaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed toa gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus may include a housing defininga display area on which at least one indicium representing at least oneprize is displayed. The gaming device also may include a plurality ofdisplay characters. At least one of the display characters is configuredto move and indicate at least one indicium. The gaming apparatus furtherincludes a controller in communication with at least one of theplurality of display characters and configured to direct the movement ofthe display character. The controller is also configured to generate arandom number and generate a game outcome based on the random number.The controller is configured to move at least one display character toindicate at least one indicium that corresponds to the game outcome.

[0024] In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to agaming method. A player is allowed to place a wager on a gaming devicehaving a plurality of moveable display characters and at least oneindicium. A game is presented to the player and a game outcome isdetermined. At least a first display character is moved. At least afirst indicium indicating the game outcome is displayed and at least thefirst display character is positioned to indicate at least the firstindicia.

[0025] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the moreimportant features of the present invention so that the detaileddescription of the preferred embodiment that follows may be betterunderstood and contributions of the present invention to the art may bebetter appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of theinvention that will be described below and will form the subject matterof claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferredembodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited in its application to the details of theconstruction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in thefollowing description or as illustrated in the drawings. The inventionis capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried outin various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Certain embodiments of the present invention are shown in theaccompanying drawings wherein:

[0027]FIG. 1 is substantially a front elevational view of an embodimentof a gaming apparatus of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 2 is substantially a schematic diagram of the variouscomponents of an embodiment of the gaming apparatus.

[0029]FIG. 3 is substantially a front perspective view of an embodimentof a display mechanism.

[0030]FIG. 4 is substantially a front perspective view of anotherembodiment of a display mechanism.

[0031]FIG. 5 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of anotherembodiment of a display mechanism positioned substantially within acut-away housing.

[0032]FIG. 6 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of anotherembodiment of a display mechanism positioned substantially within apartially cut-away housing.

[0033]FIG. 7 is substantially a rear perspective view of anotherembodiment of a display mechanism.

[0034]FIG. 8 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method accordingto the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 9 is substantially a front elevational view of an embodimentof a gaming display of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 10 is substantially a front elevational view of anotherembodiment of a gaming display of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 11 is substantially a front elevational view of anotherembodiment of a gaming display of the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 12 is substantially a front elevational view of anotherembodiment of a gaming display of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 13 is substantially a front elevational view of anotherembodiment of a gaming display of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0040] In the following detailed description of certain embodiments ofthe invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, whichform a part of this application. The drawings show, by way ofillustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

[0041] As seen in FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a gamingapparatus, generally indicated by reference number 10. In at least oneembodiment, gaming apparatus 10 comprises a display 12 and a gamingdevice 14. Gaming device 14 may be any of a large number of devices thatare adapted to allow players to play a game, such as gaming devicestypically found in arcade and casino environments, including arcadegames, video games, gambling machines, video poker machines, slotmachines, etc. In one embodiment, gaming device 14 allows a player toplace a wager and play a game, such as a slot machine.

[0042] Gaming device 14 may include a value acceptor for accepting valuefrom a player, such as a coin slot 16, card reader 18, or a voucherreader (not shown). In addition, a payout mechanism (not shown) and acoin receptacle 20 may be provided for awarding prizes or for dispensingvalue to players cashing out and retiring from a game. A printer (notshown) may also be provided for printing out cashless vouchers (notshown). A handle 22 and/or a button 24 may be provided for activatinggaming device 14 to begin a game. A pay table (not shown) may further beprovided to allow a player to see what symbol or combination of symbolsprovide one or more winning events. In at least one embodiment, gamingdevice 14 may be an S2000 model gaming device manufactured byInternational Game Technology in Reno, Nev.

[0043] Gaming device 14 may include a gaming outcome display 28 that maybe positioned in front of the gaming device 14 so that a player (notshown) playing the gaming device 14 can see the gaming outcome display28. Gaming outcome display 28 may utilize physical game reels 30, 32,and 34. Game reels 30, 32, and 34 may be attached to a drive mechanism(not shown) of gaming device 14 to rotate the reels in a manner wellknown in the art. Each game reel 30, 32, and 34 may have a plurality ofsymbols 36 positioned on the circumference of each game reel 30, 32, and34. Game reels 30, 32, and 34 may be positioned side-by-side withcoincident axes of rotation and a portion of their individualcircumferences may face outward from gaming device 14.

[0044] A panel 26 may cover game reels 30, 32, and 34 such that only aportion of their individual circumferences are shown to the player. Atleast one symbol from any of game reels 30, 32, and 34 may be used todisplay a game outcome. At least one pay line 38 may be provided for theplayer to use in determining a game outcome based on the symbol or acombination of symbols positioned thereon. In an alternative embodiment,gaming outcome display 28 utilizes a video display (not shown)displaying images of game reels and an image of at least one pay line. Avideo display may also display game symbols in many other formats andarrangements, such as playing cards.

[0045] Gaming apparatus 10 may include a display 12 configured todisplay at least one game and prize to a player. Display 12 may beconfigured to display a bonus game and at least one bonus prize to theplayer. In other embodiments, display 12 may provide a primary game.Alternatively, display 12 may be a stand-alone device allowing a playerto place a wager and play a game.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, display 12 is attached to gamingdevice 14 and positioned on top of gaming device 14. In otherembodiments (not shown), display 12 may be separate from gaming device14 but in communication with gaming device 14. In another embodiment,display 12 may be in communication with a plurality of different gamingdevices 14 via a computer network in a manner that is well known in theart. Display 12 may also be positioned adjacent to or remote from gamingdevice 14. In other embodiments, display 12 is a stand-alone display notin communication with gaming device 14, and it may be capable ofindependently accepting value and wagers, conducting games, and awardingprizes to a player.

[0047] With continued reference to FIG. 1, display 12 may comprise ahousing 40. Housing 40 may be square-shaped and may comprise a pluralityof walls 42 defining an internal space or cavity 44. Of course, housing40 may be made in many different shapes. Display 12 also has at leastone display character 43 positioned within the housing 40. In at leastone embodiment, display 12 has display characters 43, which may bethree-dimensional and may be arranged in rows, each row having multipledisplay characters 43.

[0048] Display characters 43 may be configured to move vertically andmay be located in housing 40 of display 12. Display characters 43 may beactivated either by a controller 50 (FIG. 2) or a combination of aninput device 24 and a controller 50. The number, arrangement, anddimensionality of display characters 43 may vary, and the directions ofits movement may vary, including horizontal, zigzag, diagonal, ornon-linear movements.

[0049] The appearance of display characters 43 may take on various formsand preferably are designed according to a theme of a game. Displaycharacters 43 are not limited to any particular method of construction.In certain embodiments, display characters 43 may be three-dimensionalfigures. Display characters 43 may represent any suitable image orfigure, including, but not limited to, human-like figures, animalfigures, cartoon figures, figures of inanimate objects, and pointers.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the theme of the game apparatus10 is a gaming device 14 utilizing a plurality of animated hot dogs asdisplay characters 43 that can move up and down within the housing 40,preferably in a choreographed manner. Accordingly, display characters 43may take the shape of typical hot dogs, which may be at least partiallycylindrical. Display characters 43 may be full or partialrepresentations of hot dogs. Display characters 43 may move as if theyare dancing up and down. Sounds from speakers 56 may be added so thatthe motion of display characters 43 may be made simultaneous orcoincident with the music or the rhythm of the music. In at least oneembodiment, a number of hot dogs 43 are provided as in a standardpackage of real hot dogs and may be arranged to appear as a pack of hotdogs.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, each display character 43 maycomprise at least one indicium 45 affixed thereon. Alternatively, onlysome of display characters 43 have indicia 45. Indicia 45 may beaffixed, imprinted, engraved, or represented on display character 43 invarious positions and in any manner known in the art. Indicia 45 may bein various forms, such as a prize amount, a multiplier, a description ofmerchandise or a service, a progressive prize, or a jackpot prize.Indicium 45 may be used to indicate that a player has won a prize. If adisplay character 43 stops in a position so that indicium 45 is visible,the player may be awarded the prize indicated by the indicium 45displayed on the character 43. In certain embodiments, indicium 45 isfully visible to the player when display character 43 is in its maximummoving range.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of the componentsincluded in at least one embodiment of gaming apparatus 10 is shown.Gaming apparatus 10 may include a value acceptor 16 configured to acceptvalue from players in the form of paper currency, coins, player cards,vouchers, or other forms of value, value equivalents, and devices tostore, record, or transmit value known in the art. Value acceptor 16 ispreferably in communication with controller 50. Controller 50 may be incommunication with an input device 24. Controller 50 may detectintroduction of value into value acceptor 16 and may prompt players tostart a game by activating input device 24. Once controller 50 senses asignal to start the game, controller 50 may be configured to produce arandom number and activate reel mechanism 52 of a primary game such asgaming device 14.

[0053] Primary game reel mechanism 52 may be configured to display atleast one indicium 45 (FIG. 1) on reels 30, 32, and 34 (FIG. 1)according to the random number generated by controller 50.Alternatively, controller 50 may be configured to produce a randomnumber and activate the reels (not shown) of a video display 54 (shownin dashed lines) of a primary game such as gaming device 14. The reelsof the primary game video display 54 may be configured to displayindicia 45 in video form according to the random number generated bycontroller 50. The gaming device 14, whether in physical form or invideo form, is not limited to reel-type games, but may include cardgames, dominoes, roulette, craps, baccarat, and other games known in theart.

[0054] As further shown in FIG. 2, gaming apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) mayinclude speakers 56, housing lights 58, and display mechanism 60 incommunication with controller 50. Controller 50 may be configured tostore bonus event information and may be configured to detect bonusevents. Upon an occurrence of a bonus event, controller 50 may activatespeakers 56, housing lights 58, and display mechanism 60, which causesdisplay characters 43 to move.

[0055] Speakers 56 may broadcast music to be heard by the player, andthe music may be matched with choreographed movement of displaycharacters 43. Housing lights 58 may be activated and may flash orblink, including in a manner that is synchronized with the music fromspeakers 56 and the movement of display characters 43. Housing lights 58and speakers 56 together may create a festive and lively winningatmosphere to elicit interest and entertainment from both the player andadjacent patrons.

[0056] In at least one embodiment, when gaming apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) isnot in use, display characters 43, housing lights 58, and displayspeakers 56 may be activated by controller 50 in an attract mode.Housing lights 58 may operate, blink, or flash, and display characters43 may dance or move in a choreographed manner according to the musiccoming from speakers 56. In the attract mode it may be beneficial toensure that display characters 43 do not display or indicate a prize inorder to reduce the risk of players mistakenly believing they have beenawarded a prize. In another embodiment, controller 50 may activatedisplay mechanism 60 upon the occurrence of a bonus event.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of display mechanism 60 isshown. Display mechanism 60 may include at least one display characterhousing 62. In at least one embodiment, a plurality of display characterhousings 62 are provided. The number of display character housings 62may vary depending on the number of display characters 43 desired.Display character housing 62 may define display character 43, and thustakes the desired appearance, shape, and form of display character 43according to a theme of the game. Display character housing 62 may bemade of molded plastic, steel, fiberglass, polymer, wood, metal, orother materials known in the art.

[0058] Each display character housing 62 may define one or morerecesses, such as recesses 72, 74, and 76. Recesses 72, 74, and 76 mayaccommodate light sources 78, 80, and 82. Light sources 78, 80, and 82may be incandescent, halogen, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent,or other light sources known in the art. The number and positions ofrecesses 72, 74, 76 and light sources 78, 80, 82 may vary and still fallwithin the scope of the present invention.

[0059] Display character housing 62 may be covered by display material(not shown) that may be designed to look like a hot dog or other desireddesign and that may have an indicium 45 (FIG. 1). Light sources 78, 80,and 82 may be configured to transmit light on the indicium 45 toindicate a bonus prize to the player. The display material may beconstructed of any suitable material, including metals, ceramics, foammaterials, plastics, and wood. In certain embodiments, the displaymaterial is molded into a desired shape and slid over display characterhousing 62.

[0060] Display mechanism 60 may further include a shaft 84 coupled tothe display character housing 62 and a guide 85. Shaft 84 may bemoveable within guide 85. Shaft 84 may be coupled to an arm 86. Arm 86may be connected to an actuator 88, which drives shaft 84, displaycharacter housing 62, and display character 43. Arm 86 may be moveablycoupled to shaft 84, and arm 86 may define an opening 87 that allows arm86 to move relative to shaft 84 when actuator 88 drives shaft 84.

[0061] Actuator 88 may be a solenoid that may cause arm 86 to move shaft84, display character housing 62, and display character 43 vertically.Accordingly, arm 86 may comprise a lever 90, a fulcrum 92, and aresistance arm 94. A support strut 93 may be attached to fulcrum 92 toadd actuating power to actuator 88. Actuator 88 may be various forms ofelectromechanical or mechanical motors known in the art as well aspneumatic or hydraulic actuators known in the art. Actuator 88, arm 86,and shaft 84 may be oriented in various orientations so as to causedisplay character housing 62 to move in various directions, such ashorizontal, zigzag, or diagonal directions, and actuator 88 may beconfigured to operate at various speeds and power patterns, such asgradual-fast-gradual or incremental-full range-incremental. The abilityof actuator 88 to be flexible in the way it moves display characterhousing 62 may be desirable, especially when display characters 43 areconfigured to move in a choreographed manner.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a displaymechanism 96 is shown, which is similar to display mechanism 60 (FIG. 3)except that arm 86 (FIG. 3) is eliminated and actuator 88 is directlycoupled to shaft 84.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment 96 of displaymechanism 60 is shown wherein display character housing 62 is coupled toa positioning mechanism 172 by a bracket 174. Positioning mechanism 172may be positioned within the confines of housing 40. A slot 176 in thefront wall 170 of housing 40 may be provided, which allows bracket 174to pass through the front wall. Positioning mechanism 172 may comprise aworm gear 178 rotatable by a motor 180. Motor 180 may be attached to afirst wheel 184. Worm gear 178 may be attached to a second wheel 186. Adrive belt 182 may rotate around the first wheel 184 and the secondwheel 186, thereby connecting the motor 180 and the worm gear 178.Positioning mechanism 172 may communicate with controller 50, whichpreferably stores information regarding pre-determined positions ofdisplay character 43 and display character housing 62. Sensors 188 and190 may be in communication with controller 50 and may be provided toallow controller 50 to detect the position of the display characters 43.Other devices may be used to detect the position of the displaycharacters 43, such as optical readers and the like.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment 150 of a displaymechanism 60 is shown. Display mechanism 150 may include a verticallypositioned worm gear 152 that is caused to rotate by a motor 154.Display character 43 (FIG. 1) and display character housing 62 may beattached to worm gear 152 by a bracket 156 that is attached to a nut 158threaded on worm gear 152. A slot 160 may be provided in the front wall170 of housing 40, which allows bracket 156 to pass through the wall. Apositioning mechanism 172 that includes sensors 162 may be provided toallow controller 140, or other control mechanism (not shown), to detectthe position of the display character 43. While display character 43 wasshown to move vertically, it may also be moved horizontally, ordiagonally or in a non-linear fashion, such as in rotating manner orzigzag manner.

[0065] In another embodiment, a wheel (not shown) may be attached tomotor 154. The periphery of the wheel may have at least one notchdetectable by a sensor (not shown) and used by the bonus game controller141 or game controller 140 to monitor the position of display characters43. The wheel and worm gear 152 may be rotated together by motor 154.The sensor may monitor the position of display character 43 by detectingthe notch. Bonus game controller 141 or game controller 140 may furtherstore information pertaining to a predetermined number of times thesensor has detected the notch and the corresponding position of displaycharacter 43. An optical interrupt (not shown) may be provided to resetthe display character position information. The sensor may be aninfrared source and detector. In alternative embodiments, the peripheryof the wheel may comprise portions with different reflectivecharacteristics, such as absorbent paint lines, instead of the notch ofthe wheel. Motors 180 (FIG. 5) and 154 may be stepper motors, d.c.motors, servo motors, solenoids, actuators, or other motors.

[0066]FIG. 7 shows yet another possible embodiment 200 of displaymechanism 60 for display characters 43 wherein an actuator 202 iscoupled to a crank 204. Actuator 202 may be a motor, such as a steppermotor, a servo motor, a gear motor, a d.c. motor, or the like. Onesuitable motor is a brushless d.c. motor, model GM8724S020, availablefrom Pittman, Inc. of Harleysville, Pa.

[0067] Crank 204 may be rotatably connected to link 206. Link 206 may beconnected to carriage 208. As actuator 202 rotates, crank 204 causeslink 206 to move up and down. Because link 206 is connected to carriage208, carriage 208 will also move up and down when actuator 202 isoperational.

[0068] Carriage 208 is secured behind an opening 212 in front wall 210of housing 40 (FIG. 1). Carriage 208 may be secured by fasteners 224,which may include spacers 226, such as bushings, to allow carriage 208to travel up and down as carriage 208 is actuated by actuator 202.Fasteners 224 may pass through slots 228.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, display mechanism 200 may also include apositioning mechanism 172 for detecting whether animated character 43(FIG. 1) is in an up or down position. Any suitable positioningmechanism can be used. In one embodiment, positioning mechanism 172 mayinclude an optical sensor 236 in communication with a controller 240.Optical sensor 236 may be model HOA 1887-12 available from Honeywell,Inc. of El Paso, Tex. In addition, an encoder 234 may be secured tocarriage 208, such as by fasteners 224 and spacers 226.

[0070] Encoder 234 may have a series of cutout sections 242. As carriage208 moves, encoder 234 will move past sensor 236. In turn, cutouts 242will be read by optical sensor 236. Sensor 236 may communicate thisinterruption to controller 240, which then knows the position of displaycharacter 43. A larger cutout section 244 may be included to communicateto controller 240 when carriage 208 is all the way up or all the waydown.

[0071] Of course, other actuating mechanisms and/or detection systemsmay be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.For example, an indexing motor, such as a stepper motor, may be used tocontrol the position of display character 43. In other embodiments, arack and pinion system could be used to move display character 43.

[0072] With reference back to FIG. 6, game controller 140 may utilize arandom number generator 142 and may control gaming device 14. Randomnumber generator 142 may produce a random or pseudo-random number foreach game. The outcome of the game may be determined by the randomnumber. For example, the game outcome may be determined by comparing therandom number produced by random number generator 142 to a table ofoutcomes stored in a memory and accessed by game controller 140. Anumber of different tables of outcomes may be used and different tablesmay be used for different games. The tables can be designed so thatdifferent prizes have different probabilities of being awarded. Suchdesign techniques are well known in gaming and are described above.Examples of such designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued toTelnaes, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,465, issued to Durham, which are herebyincorporated by reference. Game controller 140 may cause gaming outcomedisplay 28 (FIG. 1, e.g., game reels 30, 32, and 34) to show the outcomeof the game that corresponds to the random number generated by randomnumber generator 142. Gaming device 14 may operate in many other waysand still achieve the objects of the present invention.

[0073] Gaming device 14 may also be capable, via game controller 140 orother control mechanism (not shown), of producing a bonus-activatingevent. This event may be many different types of events. For example, abonus-activating event may comprise a game outcome such as displaying aparticular symbol, e.g., a “bonus” symbol 46 (FIG. 1), or combination ofsymbols, such as three “7” symbols on reels 30, 32, and 34. If the gamebeing played is poker-based, the bonus-activating event may be anoccurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, abonus-activating event may occur when a player accumulates a certainnumber of symbols or game outcomes over a certain number of separategame plays. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when theplayer receives three “bonus” symbols during a pre-defined period oftime. The bonus-activating event may be based on an external event. Forexample, a bonus-activating event may occur when a group of playersobtain a certain result. Sensors may be provided external to gamingdevice 14 to detect external bonus-activating events.

[0074] A bonus game controller 141 may further be provided to detectwhen a bonus activating event occurs in gaming device 14. Gamecontroller 140 may determine the outcome of each game, and when abonus-activating outcome occurs, game controller 140 may transmit asignal to the bonus game controller 141. Alternatively, the bonus gamecontroller 141 may periodically interrogate the game controller 140. Thebonus game controller 141 and game controller 140 may be a singlecontroller or separate controllers. One suitable controller is model GAM2000, available from Eagle Engineering, Inc. of Pottstown, Pa.

[0075] The bonus prize may be determined by a random number generator(not shown) and a virtual pay table, such as the pay table described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874 issued to Adams and hereby incorporated byreference. A simple pay table may also appear as follows: TABLE 1 RandomNumber Amount Paid 0.00 to 0.50 $10.00 0.51 to 0.75 $50.00 0.76 to 0.95X2 0.96 to 1.00 $10,000.00

[0076] For example, if the random number generator produced a result of0.65, controller 50 (FIG. 2) may cause the display character 43 (FIG. 1)having an indicium 45 (FIG. 1) representing 50 coins (assuming each coinhas a value of $1.00) to stop at the maximum movement range of displaycharacter 43, which is preferably at the top of prize display housing 40or adjacent thereto. Alternatively, if the random number generatorproduced a result of 0.85, the controller may cause the displaycharacter 43 having an indicium representing a multiplier of 2 to stopat the maximum movement range of display character 43. Controller 50 maythen cause a bonus meter to display “10×2=20,” (assuming a base prize of10) and $20.00 would be awarded to the player. If the actual bonus prizeis money, the amount of the bonus prize may be added to the player'scredit meter (not shown) or the bonus prize may be dispensed to coinreceptacle 20 (FIG. 1).

[0077] The bonus selection process may be repeated for a pre-determinednumber of times to accumulate several bonus prizes that are added toform the total prize awarded to the game player. For example, the bonusgame could be repeated three times to accumulate an award. The presentinvention is not limited to the example pay table shown. Furthermore,different kinds of bonus prizes may be awarded, such as progressiveprizes, jackpot prizes, merchandise, prize multipliers, and additionalgames. Other effects may also be presented, such as pre-recorded soundfrom speakers 56 (FIG. 1). Speakers 56 may further be configured toannounce a prize a player has won, play music during a prize winningevent, announce features of the game offered by gaming apparatus 10(FIG. 1), or play music to attract and entertain patrons. Additionally,a variety of graphics and lights preferably designed according to aparticular theme are displayed on display 12 (FIG. 1).

[0078] Referring now to FIG. 8, a gaming method 310 is shown whereincontroller 50 (FIG. 2) determines whether a bonus event has occurred instep 312. If a bonus event has occurred, the controller 50 produces arandom number and determines a prize based on the random number at step314. At step 316, the controller 50 may activate display mechanism 60(FIG. 3) to start the movement of display characters 43 (FIG. 1). Atstep 318, display characters 43 may move in choreographed manner, suchas performing a dance. Optionally, at step 320, the controller 50 mayprompt a player to stop a display character 43 by activating an inputdevice 24 (FIG. 1), such as by pressing a touch pad or a button. At step322, the controller 50 may cause at least one display character 43 tostop, which in certain embodiments may be at the maximum moving distancerange within housing 40 (FIG. 1).

[0079] In at least one embodiment, the player is allowed to participatein stopping at least one display character 43, and the controller 50 isconfigured to stop the display character 43 at a pre-defined position.The preferred embodiment provides the player a feeling of control overthe positioning of the display character 43. Of course, regulatoryissues may require that this feeling of control be illusionary. At step324, the controller 50 causes display mechanism 60 to indicate anindicium 45 (FIG. 1) corresponding to the prize determined by the randomnumber preferably by activating a light source 78 (FIG. 3) insidedisplay character housing 62 (FIG. 3) to illuminate the indicium 45affixed to the stopped display character 43. At step 326, the prize maybe added to any prizes from previous games. At step 328, the controller50 determines whether the player is entitled to play another game. Forexample, the player may have been awarded a certain number of rounds toplay the bonus game. If yes, then steps 314 to 328 are repeated. It isnoted that steps 314 to 328 may be repeated a pre-determined number oftimes and the sum of the prize values may be displayed. At step 330, thetotal prize may be awarded to the player. Lights and sounds may begenerated to create a festive prize event atmosphere. It is noted thatthe flowchart in FIG. 7 only shows one possible embodiment. Some of thesteps in the flowchart may be varied, changed in order, or eliminatedand still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0080] Alternative Embodiments

[0081] The present invention may be practiced in a number of alternativeembodiments. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, an embodiment 400 ofthe present invention may include a plurality of prize displays 404.Prize displays 404 may present a variety of indicia, including prizeamounts 404 a, multipliers 404 b, goods or services 404 c (illustratedas a symbol representing a vacation), or other awards 404 d such asprogressive prizes or jackpot prizes.

[0082] Prize displays 404 may be fixed, such as being painted on display402 or illuminated representations. Alternatively, prize displays 404may be changeable and include LED meters, LED screens, LCD displays orthe like. If prize displays 404 are changeable, they may provide anextra element of player suspense and may provide an opportunity for theplayer to interact with the gaming apparatus 10 (FIG. 1).

[0083] For example, if prize displays 404 are changeable, the indiciaappearing on prize displays 404 may change during the time displaycharacters 418 are in motion. The prize displays 404 may bechoreographed to music or sounds in a similar manner to displaycharacters 418. The suspense created by the game may be greater becauseplayers may be anticipating both what display character 418 willindicate their prize, and what prize will be indicated by the prizedisplay 404.

[0084] In other embodiments, the player can be given control over eitherthe prize displays 404 or the movement of display characters 418. Forexample, the player may be able to stop the movement of the displaycharacters 418 by activating an input device 24 (FIG. 1). The player maybe able to choose which display characters 418 will indicate a prize.Alternatively, the player input device 24 may cause display characters418 to stop moving in such a way that the player does not control theexact positions of display characters 418. For example, the displaycharacters may come to a gradual stop after the player activates inputdevice 24.

[0085] If the player is able to choose the exact position of displaycharacters 418, a controller 50 (FIG. 2) may cause the prize display 404indicated by the selected display character 420 to display at least oneindicium 404 c corresponding to the game outcome. If the player cannotchose the exact position of the display characters 418, the controller50 may direct the movement of the display character 418 and/or prizedisplays 404 such that the final display presented to the player has adisplay character 418 indicating a prize display 404 displaying at leastone indicium corresponding to the game outcome.

[0086]FIG. 10 an embodiment somewhat similar to that of FIG. 9. As shownin FIG. 10, individual prize displays 404 have been replaced by achangeable display area 504. Changeable display area 504 may be anynumber of display devices, including, without limitation, LED screens,LED meters, LCD displays, CRT tubes, plasma displays, scrollableflexible bands of material, and the like. Display area 504 may be usedto display static or moving indicia 508. As in previously describedembodiments, indicia 508 may represent game related values such as prizeamounts 508 a, a good 508 b (such as a car), a service 508 c (such as avacation), a multiplier 508 d, and other special awards 508 e (such asjackpot prizes or progressive prizes). The method of operation ofdisplay 500 may be similar to previously described embodiments, such ashaving fixed prize indicia, changeable prize indicia, and player inputthat may affect the movement of display characters 514 and/or indicia508.

[0087] In certain embodiments, an additional display area 520 may beincluded. Additional display area 520 may display other information thatis relevant to the game or prizes. For example, display area 520 maydisplay the value of a progressive jackpot or it may present instructionto the player on how to play the game.

[0088]FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 11 illustrates a number of display characters 604. One or more ofdisplay characters 604 may have a prize display 610. Prize display 610may be any suitable display, including LED meters, LED screens, LCDscreens, plasma displays, and the like. Prize display 610 may displayone or more indicia 612. The indicia 612 may be game-related indicia aspreviously described.

[0089] In operation, the indicia 612 on prize display 610 may change asthe display characters 604 move, or it may be fixed. If the indicia 612change, the changing indicia 612 may be choreographed in a mannersimilar to any choreography for display characters 604. If the indiciachange, players may be allowed to choose a display character 604 toindicate a prize. The controller can then select appropriate indicia 612to display on the selected display character 608 to correctly indicatethe game outcome. Operation may be similar to previously describedembodiments, including the availability of cumulative prizes, prizes andmultiplies, and so forth. In at least one embodiment prize display 610is only visible on display character 608 in an indicating position (suchas hot dog 608 shown in an extended position in FIG. 11).

[0090] In certain embodiments, more than one display character 608 canbe used to indicate indicia 612. For example, FIG. 12 shows a display700 having a plurality of display characters 704. Display characters 704are shown arranged in two rows 708 and 710. In one embodiment, a playermay be awarded a prize that is a combination of indicia 720 from firstrow 708 and second row 710. For example, one display character 714 maydisplay a prize value 722. Another display character 712 may display amultiplier value 724. The total prize awarded to the player may be theproduct of the prize and the multiplier. Row 708 may consist of all onetype of indicia, such as a multiplier, while row 710 consists of anothertype of indicia, such as prize amounts. Alternatively, row 708 and row710 may contain different types of indicia, with a controller (notshown) capable of selecting appropriate display figures 704 from eachrow 708, 710 to correctly indicate the game outcome. Additional indicia,such as indicia representing a jackpot prize could be included in one ormore rows 708, 710.

[0091]FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of the present inventionwhere multiple display characters 804 may be used to indicate prizes.FIG. 13 illustrates a display 800 having a plurality of displaycharacters 804. Two display characters 806 are in an extended positionwhereby they indicate prizes. The player may be awarded the sum (or anyother mathematical combination) of the prizes appearing on displaycharacters 806. Of course, any number of display characters 804 can beused, and any number of display characters 806 may be used to indicate acumulative prize awarded to a player.

CONCLUSION

[0092] It can thus be realized that certain embodiments of the presentinvention may provide a highly attractive and entertaining device forconducting games and for displaying prizes. Certain embodiments of thepresent invention may have the ability to attract more patrons to play agame and the ability to encourage players to play longer on a gamingapparatus. Certain embodiments may provide at least one attractive prizedisplay. Certain embodiments may utilize intermediate steps between theoccurrence of the bonus event and the awarding of the bonus prize.Certain embodiments may provide intermediate steps between theoccurrence of the bonus event and the awarding of the bonus prize thatinvolve player participation. Certain embodiments may provideintermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus event and theawarding of the bonus prize that involve an eye-catching display.Certain embodiments may further provide an additional element ofanticipation and excitement for players.

[0093] Although the description above contains many specifications,these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention butas merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention shouldbe determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents ratherthan solely by the examples given.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gaming apparatus comprising: (A) a housing, thehousing defining a display area; (B) at least one indicium configured tobe displayed on the display area, the at least one indicium representingat least one prize; (C) a plurality of display characters, at least oneof the plurality of display characters being configured to move andconfigured to indicate the at least one indicium; and (D) a controllerin communication with the at least one of the plurality of displaycharacters and being configured to direct movement thereof, thecontroller being further configured to generate a random number andgenerate a game outcome based on the random number; wherein thecontroller is configured to move the at least one of the plurality ofdisplay characters to indicate the at least one indicium thatcorresponds to the game outcome.
 2. The gaming apparatus of claim 1,wherein the plurality of display characters are three-dimensional. 3.The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of theplurality of display characters is further configured to move in achoreographed manner.
 4. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a light source in communication with the controller, thelight source being configured to illuminate the at least one indiciumcorresponding to the game outcome.
 5. The gaming apparatus of claim 1,wherein the at least one indicated indicium comprises at least onemultiplier symbol.
 6. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atleast one of the plurality of display characters is configured to movein a substantially straight line.
 7. The gaming apparatus of claim 6,wherein the straight line is substantially vertical.
 8. The gamingapparatus of claim 6, wherein the straight line is substantiallyhorizontal.
 9. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, further comprising atleast one actuator coupled to the at least one of the plurality ofdisplay characters and in communication with the controller, wherein thecontroller is configured to cause the at least one actuator to move theat least one of the plurality of display characters.
 10. The gamingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one indicated indiciumappears on the at least one of the plurality of display characters. 11.The gaming device of claim 10 wherein at least a portion of theplurality of display characters comprise a changeable prize displayportion, wherein the at least one indicium is displayed on thechangeable prize display portion of at least one of the portion of theplurality of display characters that indicates the at least one indiciumcorresponding to the game outcome.
 12. The gaming device of claim 10wherein the at least one of the plurality of display characters ismoveable between at least a first and a second position, wherein the atleast one indicium on the at least one of the plurality of displaycharacters is hidden from a player when the at least one of theplurality of display characters is in the first position and the atleast one indicium is viewable by the player when the at least one ofthe plurality of display characters is in the second position.
 13. Thegaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least two of the plurality ofdisplay characters are configured to move and indicate indicia, whereinone of the at least two of the plurality of display characters indicatesthe at least one indicium representing the at least one prize and thesecond of the at least two of the plurality of display charactersindicates an indicium representing at least one multiplier by which theat least one prize will be multiplied.
 14. The gaming apparatus of claim1 wherein at least two of the plurality of display characters areconfigured to move and indicate indicia, wherein the game outcome isdetermined by a mathematical combination of the indicia indicated by theat least two of the plurality of display characters.
 15. The gamingapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a player input device incommunication with the controller, the player input device allowing aplayer to at least partially control the movement of the at least one ofthe plurality of display characters or the at least one indicium. 16.The gaming apparatus of claim 15 wherein the input from the player inputdevice does not affect the game outcome.
 17. The gaming apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the display area comprises a changeable display area andthe at least one indicium comprises indicia, wherein at least a portionof the indicia are displayed on the changeable display area.
 18. Thegaming apparatus of claim 17 wherein the changeable display areacomprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.
 19. The gaming apparatusof claim 1, further comprises at least one prize display on the displayarea, wherein indicia are displayed on the prize display.
 20. The gamingapparatus of claim 19 wherein the prize display is changeable andconfigured to display a plurality of indicia.
 21. The gaming apparatusof claim 1 further comprising a speaker in communication with thecontroller, the controller adapted to cause the speaker to play music,the controller further adapted to move at least a portion of theplurality of display characters in conjunction with the playing of themusic.
 22. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 further comprising apositioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism configured to detectthe position of the at least one of the plurality of display characters.23. A gaming method comprising, but not necessarily in the order shown:(A) allowing a player to place a wager on a gaming device comprising aplurality of display characters and at least one indicium; (B)presenting a game to the player; (C) randomly determining a gameoutcome; (D) moving at least a first display character of the pluralityof display characters; (E) displaying at least a first indicium of theat least one indicium indicating the game outcome; and (F) positioningthe at least a first display character to indicate the at least a firstindicium.
 24. The gaming method of claim 23, wherein the at least afirst display character is three-dimensional.
 25. The method of claim 23further comprising: (A) allowing the player to provide input via aplayer input device; and (B) moving at least one of the plurality ofdisplay characters in accordance with the player input.
 26. The methodof claim 23 wherein at least one of the plurality of display charactersis moved in a choreographed manner.
 27. The method of claim 23 whereinthe at least one indicium further comprises a plurality of indicia andthe gaming device comprises a changeable display area on which theplurality of indicia may be displayed, further comprising: (A)displaying the plurality of indicia on the changeable display area; (B)moving the plurality of indicia on the changeable display area; (C)stopping the plurality of indicia such that the at least a firstindicium indicating the game outcome is indicated by at least one of theplurality of display characters.
 28. The method of claim 23, wherein theat least a first indicium indicated by the moveable indicator representsa prize, further comprising awarding the prize to the player.
 29. Themethod of claim 23, further comprising: (A) moving a second displaycharacter of the plurality of display characters; (B) displaying asecond indicium of the at least one indicium indicating the gameoutcome; (C) positioning the second display character to indicate thesecond indicium.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein the at least a firstindicium indicates a prize amount, the second indicium represents amultiplier, further comprising multiplying the prize amount by themultiplier to obtain a total prize.
 31. The method of claim 29 whereinthe step of moving the at least a first display character furthercomprises moving the at least a first display character from a firstposition to a second position, wherein the at least a first indicium ishidden from the player when the at least a first moveable indicator isin the first position and the at least a first indicium is viewable bythe player when the at least a first moveable indicator is in the secondposition.
 32. The method of claim 23, further comprising determining theposition of the at least a first moveable indicator.
 33. A gaming devicecomprising: (A) at least one display means for displaying a prize; (B) aplurality of display character means, at least one of the plurality ofdisplay character means configured to indicate the at least one displaymeans; and (C) controller means for controlling movement of the at leastone display means.
 34. The gaming device of claim 33, wherein the atleast one of the plurality display character means is three-dimensional.35. The gaming device of claim 33 further comprising sensor means fordetecting the position of the at least one of the plurality of displaycharacter means.
 36. The method of claim 33 further comprising playerinput means in communication with the controller means, the player inputmeans configured to allow the player to at least partially control themovement of the at least one of the plurality of display charactermeans.
 37. The method of claim 33 further comprising actuator meanscoupled to the at least one of the plurality of display character means,the actuator means configured to move the at least one of the pluralityof display character means.
 38. A gaming apparatus comprising: (A) agaming device configured to allow a player to place a wager and play agame of chance, the game of chance having a randomly determined gameoutcome; (B) a display, wherein the display comprises a simulation of atleast one hot dog.
 39. The gaming apparatus of claim 38 wherein thesimulation comprises a display of a moving hot dog.
 40. The gamingapparatus of claim 38 wherein the simulation comprises a display of aplurality of hot dogs.
 41. The gaming apparatus of claim 40 wherein thesimulation comprises a display of a pack of hot dogs.
 42. The gamingdevice of claim 38 further comprising a controller, the controllerconfigured to cause a display related to the simulation of at least onehot dog.